Stephen Zambo
Is Sexual Education receiving the proper funding?

Collins, G. (2011, April 20). The New Anti-Abortion math. The New York Times.

This opinion piece writing by Gail Collins is about the state of Texas refusing certain federal funding for various programs because they don’t want to pay for any part of the programs. One of the best-family planning centers in Texas is given 9$ by the government for every 1$ that the state of Texas puts in. The first things to cut when Texas is trying to cut the budget are these types of pro-choice programs. By reducing pregnancies in Texas the state would save a projected 36$ million in one year.

I believe this is ridiculous. This is absolutely ridiculous. I am a pro-choice person because I believe it’s your right. Texas should be teaching more comprehensive programs trying to lower the pregnancy rates to save their state money not to mention for more obvious reasons. I think that the state of Texas is backwards on this issue and that something needs to change.



Kennedy, K. (2010, October 1). New sex ed funding ends decade of abstinence-only. MSNBC.com, Retrieved from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39457080/ns/health-sexual_health/

This article written by Kelli Kennedy is about the Obama administrations sex Ed funding. They decided to reduce federally-funded abstinence only based programs and to give federal funding to comprehensive programs as well. Beginning in 2010 the government signed a deal for a 5 year 375$ million dollar deal was inked.

I believe that this is good. I do this abstinence is a good concept to teach but I don’t believe it’s the only concept to teach. By teaching comprehensive programs as well, it will help to reduce the teen pregnancy rates. It will also reduce the transmission of STD’s in teenagers. This is a good thing for Rhode Island as well as any other state. I’m happy to see that they’ve begun to make the connection to both styles while I believe comprehensive sexual education will ultimately win out, being my personal choice.



Advocates for Youth(2010,October) Comprehenseive Sex Education: Research and Results.ERIC. Retrieved April 20,2011 from the ERIC(Education Resources Information) database.

In 2010 Obama’s proposed Sex education plan created a new area of funding. That Area was “comprehensive” sex education. This has "proven effective" at reducing teen pregnancy, delaying sexual activity and increasing contraceptive use. It is comprehensive sex education programs which help youth remain healthy and avoid negative sexual health outcomes. This opened up a whole new federal funding sector that would be available to the countries schools teaching Sex Education.

I believe that this is good. Rhode Island has a large portion of its population in Providence. This is a very diverse area and has higher teen pregnancy rates than other towns in this state. I believe the federal funding made available for comprehensive programs will directly affect Rhode Island students. By making this funding available it will hopefully reduce the amount of teen pregnancies and the possible negative outcomes in relation to their sexual health.



Collins, C., Alagiri, Priya., Summers, Todd. (2002). "Abstinence Only vs. Comprehensive Sex Education: What are the arguments? What is the evidence?" Progressive Health Partners.

This is an extensive study done by professors highlighting the issues between abstinence only and comprehensive sex education. They dissect the arguments and well as explain where the evidence is. This study examines the difference in federal policies, state policies and school policies. This report states various facts throughout without any subjective views being placed on the issues only what exactly is taking place and how sex ed is starting to take a turn towards comprehensive sex education.

After reading this survey I became exponentially more aware of the facts about sex education. This survey reveals more about sex education side by side making arguments for both styles which I believe is good. You have to let both sides be argued and revealing what both sides may argue for may increase general knowledge. By increasing general knowledge of the subject it allows us to make a more informed decision thus helping us push for our agenda’s in the future